Elton Vale Open Day Inspires with Innovation, Insight & Community Spirit

Guests arrived around 12:45 PM and were greeted with a well-earned lunch generously prepared by the Deloraine Lions Club. With delicious burgers and sausages on offer, the relaxed lunch setting allowed plenty of time for networking, friendly conversations, and sharing questions before the sessions began.

As the final attendees arrived, René van Dalen, Marketing Manager of Lely Australia Pty Ltd opened the afternoon with a brief introduction, giving context to the event and acknowledging the farm's important role as an example of modern dairy innovation.

Attendees rotated through three stations, each offering a different perspective on robotic dairying:

 

Station 1: The Farmer’s Story
Led by Craig Stokes alongside Shannon Barwick and Will Baldwin, this session delved into the story behind the farm’s transition to robotic milking. The pair shared their experience building the shed, installing the robots, and adapting to the new system—a story full of insight, lessons, and optimism for the future.

 

Station 2: Technical Service Support
Presented by Marc Jones and Travis Nightingale, this station emphasised that with Lely, farmers don’t just purchase machines, they gain a long-term support partnership. The session highlighted the proactive technical service and commitment Lely brings to every farm it works with, 24/7.

 

Station 3: Cows Do Walk – Grazing & Robotics
In this myth-busting session, Jake Connor explained how pasture-based grazing systems can thrive alongside robotic milking. With practical examples, he showed how cows willingly walk themselves to the shed, challenging outdated beliefs with proven experience.

As the station rounds concluded, guests gathered once again for afternoon tea provided by the Deloraine Lions Club. Farmers, professionals, and partners exchanged thoughts, asked follow-up questions, and built valuable connections.

 

A Day to Remember

The Elton Vale Open Day was a resounding success, filled with knowledge, hospitality, and connection. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shannon Barwick and Will Baldwin for opening their farm and sharing their story. We’d also like to thank the Deloraine Lions Club for their fantastic catering, and to everyone who attended and made the day so rewarding.